We hope your semester is off to a strong start!

This month’s highlights include Professor David Blumenkrantz’s recent book AI SANDBOX: The Technique, Aesthetics & Ethics of AI Image Generation, Dr. Helen Heinrich’s role in a state-wide workshop shaping AI policy, and updated Canvas Insights templates.

Join us at the Harvesting Innovation event on October 15 to explore faculty resources and connect with other departments on campus. There's also information on how to participate in the CSU AI survey launching September 22.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a great time to explore tips for keeping data safe. On that same note, EDUCAUSE has published the Cybersecurity and Privacy report for August 2025.

You’ll also find resources on generating image alt text with AI, enhanced accessibility tools in Canvas, creating video quizzes in Panopto, building your own chatbot, and designing accessible Word documents.

And remember to mark your calendars for Lunch Bytes on Mondays from 12 to 1 pm!

AI image generation is changing the way we create and think about art. In AI SANDBOX, CSUN Professor David Blumenkrantz shares an engaging, thoughtful guide to its creative potential and ethical challenges, inviting faculty to reflect on technology’s impact. Read the AI Sandbox book online.

Connect through technology at the Harvesting Innovation Fall Open House on October 15! Join us in the University Library’s Garden Level for an afternoon of inspiration and community, with open doors to Undergraduate Research, NAGPRA, Faculty Development, the Faculty Senate, and more! Get details on the fall open house.

Don’t miss your chance to share your voice in the CSU AI Survey! Open from Sept. 22 to Oct. 6, this anonymous survey helps shape how CSU campuses approach AI—and you can enter the drawing for a chance to win prizes. Faculty, students and staff will receive an email invitation next week.

Dr. Helen Heinrich, Associate Vice President for Academic Technology, has been tapped to serve on a workgroup guiding the responsible use of AI in California public elementary and secondary schools. Read more about the AI policy workgroup.

Over the summer, Academic Technology (AT), the Office of Student Success (OSS) and student peer-mentors partnered to update the existing Canvas Insights templates and create two new ones, with another one on the way! Read about the Canvas Insights templates.

Image descriptions (alt text) help make visual content accessible, not only for blind students but also for those experiencing technical difficulties. Learn how AI can help you generate alt text that conveys the reason you chose that image. Learn more about AI and alt text.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Cybersecurity in an AI-driven world.” Explore CSUN resources, tips, and training to help you recognize AI-enabled scams, protect data, and build safer digital habits on campus and beyond. Read more about cybersecurity.

The Autodesk Technology Engagement Center (ATEC) is a 32,000-square-foot space designed to support and promote equity in STEM education. Its goal is to inspire students from diverse backgrounds to explore and pursue careers in innovation and technology. Learn more about the ATEC.

Learn how CSUN’s move from Ally to Cidi Labs in Canvas enhances accessibility for faculty and students. This workshop will highlight new features, what’s staying the same, and how to make the most of built-in tools and resources.

Discover how to use Panopto’s Video Quiz feature to embed questions into lecture videos. This workshop covers creating quizzes, question types, and Canvas integration, giving you practical tools to boost student engagement.

Discover how to create a personalized AI assistant using the Custom GPT tool in ChatGPT. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to design, build and share your assistant to support teaching, streamline tasks, and enhance collaboration.

Learn to create accessible documents in Microsoft Word. This training introduces and highlights key features that can improve accessibility, and shows you how to evaluate Word documents for common issues.

Find more professional development opportunities on the Academic Technology workshop calendar. Can't make it to a workshop? Book an appointment with one of our team members.

Share topics you would like to see covered in a future newsletter, give us feedback on your experience with instructional technology, or let us know of workshop resources you are interested in with the Academic Technology Feedback Form.

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